Director of Nursing DON - Acute Inpatient Mental Health 264

Main Template•Shelton, WA

42d•Onsite

About The Position

Telecare is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to lead nursing services at our Shelton Evaluation & Treatment Center (E&T) #264 in Shelton, Washington. Shelton E&T is an inpatient behavioral health program serving adults experiencing acute psychiatric needs who require a secure, structured setting for evaluation, stabilization, treatment, and recovery support. This is a highly visible, onsite leadership role for a nursing leader who enjoys being connected to the day-to-day operations of a program, developing staff, and partnering closely with an interdisciplinary leadership team. The DON works alongside the Administrator, Clinical Director, medical providers, and regional leadership to ensure safe, high-quality, recovery-focused care while building a strong and stable nursing team. The DON also participates in the Administrator-On-Call (AOC) rotation, sharing after-hours leadership responsibilities with other program leaders.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with four (4) years of nursing experience, including two years of psychiatric nursing experience and two years of supervisory experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a related field with two years of psychiatric nursing experience and one year of supervisory experience
At least one year of nursing supervision experience within the last five years
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of operation
CPR, BLS through the American Heart Association, and CPI hands-on certification by start date
Must successfully complete all post-offer requirements, including applicable physical examination, TB testing, and background screening
Must be at least 18 years of age
Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and automobile insurance when driving is required for the position

Nice To Haves

Strong clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills
Proven ability to lead, develop, and retain nursing teams
A hands-on, visible leadership style
Excellent communication and interdisciplinary partnership skills
Confidence operating in a fast-paced inpatient behavioral health environment
Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and process-improvement capabilities
Ability to balance clinical quality, staffing needs, employee development, and operational priorities
Adaptability, accountability, and strong follow-through
Commitment to recovery-focused and trauma-informed behavioral healthcare

Responsibilities

Lead, organize, and oversee nursing services and day-to-day clinical nursing operations
Recruit, develop, coach, engage, and retain a strong nursing team
Maintain clear nursing standards, policies, procedures, and performance expectations
Oversee nursing staffing and workforce planning to support safe program operations
Partner closely with the Administrator, Clinical Director, medical team, and regional leadership
Support a culture of accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement
Ensure compliance with applicable state, federal, and local regulatory requirements
Oversee medication management, infection prevention, and nursing quality standards
Maintain strong QA/QI processes focused on member safety and clinical outcomes
Manage departmental resources and budgets responsibly
Participate in committees related to nursing practice, clinical operations, quality, and safety
Support crisis intervention and member care needs within the inpatient behavioral health setting
Participate in the Administrator-On-Call rotation and remain reachable and responsive during assigned coverage
Provide support to other Telecare programs when needed, which may include occasional travel